Limonene Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Limonene interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Limonene is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Limonene is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Limonene against your medication
Add one medicationLimonene Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line
From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Limonene drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one rests on preliminary lab evidence that has not been confirmed in humans.
Honestly, no interaction in this profile is well documented in people, since all are graded as only possible. The main theoretical concern is that limonene may lower the levels of medicines the body clears through a certain liver enzyme, which includes NSAIDs such as diclofenac. In the other direction, drugs like fluconazole and amiodarone could raise limonene levels, while rifampin and carbamazepine could lower them, making limonene itself less effective. Watching for changes with these combinations is reasonable, but no problems have been reported so far.
The long list of medications mainly reflects how many common drugs share the enzymes limonene might affect, not proof of harm. Nearly all of these pairings are theoretical, predicted from lab research on how the body processes medicines, and none of the expected effects have actually been reported in people.
Based on HelloPharmacist’s Limonene interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.
Drugs that interact with Limonene
230 medications have a known interaction with Limonene, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.
Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Limonene using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.
AI summaries are generated from our Limonene interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
No drugs match “”.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Limonene combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The kinds of drugs Limonene affects
Every type of medication (drug category) Limonene is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Inducers
There's preliminary evidence that limonene might be a substrate for cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19). CYP2C19 inducers might decrease the effects of limonene. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Inducers of CYP2C19 include carbamazepine (Tegretol), prednisone (Deltasone), and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane).
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Inhibitors
There's preliminary evidence that limonene might be a substrate for cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, watch for an increase in the limonene levels when it is taken with drugs that inhibit CYP2C19. Some drugs that inhibit CYP2C19 include cimetidine (Tagamet), fluvoxamine (Luvox), omeprazole (Prilosec); ticlopidine (Ticlid), topiramate (Topamax), and others.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Inducers
There's preliminary evidence that limonene might be a substrate for cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). Inducers of CYP2C9 might decrease limonene levels. Inducers of CYP2C9 include rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) and secobarbital (Seconal).
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Inhibitors
There's preliminary evidence that limonene might be a substrate for cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, watch for side effects in patients taking limonene and CYP2C9 inhibitors. Some CYP2C9 inhibitors include amiodarone (Cordarone), fluconazole (Diflucan), lovastatin (Mevacor), paroxetine (Paxil), zafirlukast (Accolate), and many others.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
There's preliminary evidence that limonene might be a substrate for cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), as well causing its induction. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, watch for a decrease in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 in patients taking limonene. Some drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin), meloxicam (Mobic), and piroxicam (Feldene); celecoxib (Celebrex); amitriptyline (Elavil); warfarin (Coumadin); glipizide (Glucotrol); losartan (Cozaar); and others.
Limonene: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Limonene is a natural compound found in the peel of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, and it is used as a flavoring agent and dietary supplement. People take it for heartburn, digestion, and general wellness, but solid human evidence is limited. It is generally well tolerated in food amounts, but talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated supplements.
- Part used
- Essential oil from citrus peel (the natural source of limonene)
- Common forms
- Softgel capsules, oils, flavoring agent in foods, aromatherapy oils
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Digestive upset
- Stress and mood support
- Antioxidant support
- General wellness
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Generally well tolerated in food amounts, but human safety data for high-dose supplements is limited.
Not enough safety data exists for supplement doses, so it is best avoided.
When consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. Limonene has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the US. There is insufficient reliable in...
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Limonene is a natural compound called a terpene. It gives citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes their fresh, citrusy smell. Most limonene used in products comes from the peels of these fruits.
It is widely used as a flavoring and fragrance in foods, drinks, cleaning products, and cosmetics. As a dietary supplement, it is sold mostly as softgel capsules or oils. People take it hoping to ease heartburn, support digestion, and promote general wellness.
You likely already eat small amounts of limonene whenever you enjoy citrus fruit or citrus-flavored foods. The supplement form simply provides a more concentrated amount.
How it works
Limonene is a terpene, a type of oil-soluble plant compound. In the body it is broken down into related substances such as perillic acid and perillyl alcohol, which researchers have studied for various effects.
Laboratory and animal studies suggest limonene may act as an antioxidant, meaning it may help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals. Some research also points to possible anti-inflammatory activity and effects on certain cell pathways.
It is important to know that most of this is based on test-tube and animal research. How these effects translate to people taking supplements is not well understood.
Does Limonene work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
For Limonene, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.
Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer
It is unclear if oral limonene is beneficial in patients with cancer.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Oral limonene has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
Limonene is widely used in foods and is generally recognized as safe in those small amounts. As a concentrated supplement, it appears to be reasonably well tolerated in short-term studies, but long-term safety data is limited.
People with sensitive stomachs may notice mild digestive symptoms. Applying citrus oils containing limonene to the skin can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people, and citrus oils may make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Pregnancy: There is not enough reliable safety information for supplement doses, so it is best to avoid concentrated limonene supplements while pregnant. Eating normal amounts of citrus fruit is a different matter and is generally fine.
Breastfeeding: Safety data is lacking, so avoid supplement doses while breastfeeding unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications.
Side effects
When taken in supplement form, limonene is usually well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects are mild and digestive, such as:
- Heartburn or a citrus-like burping
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Diarrhea
When used on the skin, citrus oils high in limonene can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or increased sun sensitivity. Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Limonene: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Limonene from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Orally, limonene is generally well tolerated. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Topically, limonene can cause contact dermatitis. Observational research has found that increased exposure to ambient air limonene from household cleaning products is associated with wheezing and asthma, particularly in children.
- Vigushin DM, Poon GK, Boddy A, et al. Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of D-limonene in patients with advanced cancer. Cancer Research Campaign Phase I/II Clinical Trials Committee. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 1998;42:111-7.
- Matura M, Goossens A, Bordalo O, et al. Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): a frequent skin sensitizer in Europe. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:709-14.
- Topham EJ, Wakelin SH. D-Limonene contact dermatitis from hand cleansers. Contact Dermatitis 2003;49:108-9.
- Dittmar D, Schuttelaar MLA. Contact sensitization to hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool: results of consecutive patch testing and clinical relevance. Contact Dermatitis 2019;80(2):101-9.
- Gatica-Ortega ME, Pastor-Nieto MA, Schoendorff-Ortega C, Mollejo-Villanueva M, Giménez-Arnau A. Lymphomatoid contact dermatitis caused by limonene hydroperoxides confirmed by an exposure provocation test with the involved personal hygiene products. Contac
- Nath NS, Liu B, Green C, Atwater AR. Contact allergy to hydroperoxides of linalool and D-limonene in a US population. Dermatitis 2017;28(5):313-6.
- Dales RE, Cakmak S. Is residential ambient air limonene associated with asthma? Findings from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Environ Pollut 2019;244:966-70.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Dermatologic
Topically, limonene can cause contact dermatitis. Observational studies have found that 8% to 9.4% of patients with a suspected fragrance allergy have allergic skin reactions to limonene hydroperoxides. In one case, a 35-year-old female presented with lymphomatoid contact dermatitis, characterized by a pruritic skin eruption that covered her abdomen and lower limbs, after exposure to limonene in various personal hygiene and household cleaning products. Patch testing showed a positive reaction to limonene hydroperoxides. The patient's skin lesions cleared with topical corticosteroids, sun exposure, and avoidance of limonene-containing products.
- Matura M, Goossens A, Bordalo O, et al. Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): a frequent skin sensitizer in Europe. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:709-14.
- Topham EJ, Wakelin SH. D-Limonene contact dermatitis from hand cleansers. Contact Dermatitis 2003;49:108-9.
- Dittmar D, Schuttelaar MLA. Contact sensitization to hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool: results of consecutive patch testing and clinical relevance. Contact Dermatitis 2019;80(2):101-9.
- Gatica-Ortega ME, Pastor-Nieto MA, Schoendorff-Ortega C, Mollejo-Villanueva M, Giménez-Arnau A. Lymphomatoid contact dermatitis caused by limonene hydroperoxides confirmed by an exposure provocation test with the involved personal hygiene products. Contac
- Nath NS, Liu B, Green C, Atwater AR. Contact allergy to hydroperoxides of linalool and D-limonene in a US population. Dermatitis 2017;28(5):313-6.
Asthma Pulmonary/Respiratory
When inhaled, limonene has been linked to wheezing and asthma. Observational research has found that a 100% increase in exposure to ambient air limonene from fragrances and household cleaning products is associated with 17% and 18% greater odds of wheezing and asthma, respectively. This link appears to be even stronger in children.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal
Orally, limonene can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no official or well-established dose for limonene supplements. Studies have used a wide range of amounts, and products vary a lot in strength.
The best advice is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them. Because a standardized dose has not been set, it is wise to start low and check with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.
Pure limonene essential oil should never be swallowed in large amounts, and concentrated oils should be used carefully.
Limonene & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 10 references that drive our Limonene monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Vigushin DM, Poon GK, Boddy A, et al. Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of D-limonene in patients with advanced cancer. Cancer Research Campaign Phase I/II Clinical Trials Committee. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 1998;42:111-7. PubMed
- Crowell PL. Prevention and therapy of cancer by dietary monoterpenes. J Nutr 1999;129:775S-778S. PubMed
- Matura M, Goossens A, Bordalo O, et al. Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): a frequent skin sensitizer in Europe. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:709-14. PubMed
- Topham EJ, Wakelin SH. D-Limonene contact dermatitis from hand cleansers. Contact Dermatitis 2003;49:108-9.
- Miyazawa M, Shindo M, Shimada T. Metabolism of (+)- and (-)-limonenes to respective carveols and perillyl alcohols by CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 in human liver microsomes. Drug Metab Dispos 2002;30:602-7. PubMed
- Dales RE, Cakmak S. Is residential ambient air limonene associated with asthma? Findings from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Environ Pollut 2019;244:966-70. PubMed
- Dittmar D, Schuttelaar MLA. Contact sensitization to hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool: results of consecutive patch testing and clinical relevance. Contact Dermatitis 2019;80(2):101-9. PubMed
- Gatica-Ortega ME, Pastor-Nieto MA, Schoendorff-Ortega C, Mollejo-Villanueva M, Giménez-Arnau A. Lymphomatoid contact dermatitis caused by limonene hydroperoxides confirmed by an exposure provocation test with the involved personal hygiene products. Contac PubMed
- Nath NS, Liu B, Green C, Atwater AR. Contact allergy to hydroperoxides of linalool and D-limonene in a US population. Dermatitis 2017;28(5):313-6. PubMed
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Brands that make products with Limonene
76 brands in our database make a supplement containing Limonene.
Supplement products with Limonene
223 products in our database contain Limonene. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.
Limonene: Common Questions
What is Limonene used for, and does it work?
Does Limonene interact with prescription medications?
How are Limonene interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Limonene with my medications?
Where does this Limonene interaction information come from?
What is Limonene used for?
Is Limonene safe?
Can I take Limonene while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Is the Limonene in citrus fruit the same as the supplement?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Products that contain Limonene
A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Limonene — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.
- TrueCoQ10 100 mg by NatureCity
- Well + Collagen Boost Meyer Lemon Tea by zolt.
- MNS C by AdvoCare
- Ubiquinol 100 mg by Bronson
- Ubiquinol 200 mg by Dr. Mercola
- Immune Source Multiplex by Viva Vitamins
- Peak + Mushroom Complex Clementine by zolt.
- CoQH-CF Ubiquinol by Allergy Research Group
- Coenzyme Q10 100 mg by Klaire Labs
- UNIQUE CoQH 50 mg by A.C. Grace Company
Have a question about Limonene?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.